The short answer is that while they are quite similar, electronic logging devices (ELD) have enhanced functionality over automated onboard recording devices (AOBRD). Since ELDs will be required in all vehicles (unless exempt) by December 16, 2019, motor carriers need to understand the differences between both types of devices because an AOBRD’s current functionality may not meet the ELD mandate requirements. The first key difference is that ELDs are more precise than AOBRDs in that ELDs are required to process certain events in very specific ways. For example, ELDs are required to automatically change a driver’s duty status to “On-Duty, Not Driving” whenever the vehicle has not moved for five consecutive minutes and the driver has not responded to a system prompt within one minute. An AOBRD is not required to make this change automatically.